Highland Council appeals Panel decision on North West Skye schools.

Highland Council has today (Friday 10 July 2015) lodged a summary application at Portree Sheriff Court, seeking an appeal against the School Closure Review Panel’s decision to refuse consent for a new community school in Dunvegan, Isle of Skye.

Earlier in May, Scottish ministers called in the Council’s proposal for consideration by the school closure review panel.

The proposal for a new community school is to replace the existing four primary schools and nursery classes at Dunvegan, Struan, Knockbreck and Edinbane.

The Council has explored grounds for appeal, taking legal advice from Counsel, in advance of submitting the appeal application. 

Councillor Drew Millar, Chairman of the Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee, and Councillor for the Skye Ward, said:

“The Council appreciates that while this appeal is ongoing, there will be a period of uncertainty for the community of North West Skye. However, we strongly believe that the proposed new community school, would deliver considerable educational and community benefits, and that the consultation process was thorough and correct in arriving at this conclusion.”

He added: “The Council believes that the Panel has erred in its decision, which currently prevents us proceeding with the intended investment of up to £10m in a new community school.  In pursuing this appeal the Council believes it is in the best interests of the community, to provide new, state of the art facilities that will deliver first class, sustainable education into the future.”